Reintroducing Gotthelf Carl, the Other Huber

Abstract

Anatomist Dr. Gotthelf Carl Huber was a pioneer in peripheral nerve surgical research. His work was groundbreaking, including confirmation that axon regeneration occurs from the proximal stump as well as establishing the utility of primary and secondary nerve repair for peripheral nerve injury (PNI) at a time when the best treatment for nerve injuries was unclear and contested. He collaborated with the giants of his time and mentored the next generation of greats in PNI. Despite all of this, he is not the individual we think of when we hear the name “Huber.” As such, the motivation for this review is to increase awareness of G. Carl Huber as a foundational figure in the development of peripheral nerve surgery.